22
L
eaving the military
can be both exciting
and daunting, but
Mark has turned his Army
training, experience and
passion for the outdoors
into a successful civilian
business. It’s turned out to
be quite an adventure!
In 2008 Mark decided to
attend an ADF Transition
seminar so he could
prepare to transition from
the Regular Army to the
Reserves at some point
in his future.
“At the time, I didn’t
realise my transfer would
be just around the corner,”
said Mark, who was glad to
have planned well-ahead.
“I transitioned from the
Regular Army in 2009 and
worked for 19 months as a
civilian security consultant at
the Australian Embassy
in Kabul, Afghanistan.”
In 2011, he again
returned to Afghanistan as a
Reservist. But, after returning
to Australia, Mark decided
to put his Army skills and
experience to work, first as
a consultant in the mining
industry and then to start
his own business.
Mark’s unique company
specialises in adventure
travel, anywhere from
Tasmania’s rugged
mountains to the most
remote corners of the world.
He’s taking a group
across Mongolia on dirt bikes
later this year.
“Our personnel have
extensive experience in
developing and leading
high performance teams
to succeed in challenging
situations,” said Mark.
“We are experts in
coaching individuals to
excel in difficult conditions
and achieve beyond their
perceived potential.”
He also makes time
to give back to his local
community. This year, Mark
started working with the
local Police and Citizens
Youth Club as an instructor
in their Youth at Risk
program. He also recently
conducted treks for veterans
for ex-service support
organisation, Mates 4 Mates.
When it came time to
transition, Mark said the
additional leave, support
to prepare a resume and
professional help to translate
his Army skills into ‘civvy
speak’ were really valuable.
“With the experience
gained over my 22-year career
in the military, security and
adventure travel fields, I have
obtained unique skill sets
that allow me to provide
practical solutions to even
the most complex and
challenging situations.” n
www.defence.gov.au/dco/
transition
THE ADVENTURE
OF A LIFE TIME
Mark Direen started his own business using the skills he’d developed during his
22–year military career. Photo used with permission.
Former SPECIAL FORCES TEAM LEADER and high-risk
environment consultant, Mark Direen has worked in some of the WORLD’S
MOST HOSTILE and UNFORGIVING ENVIRONMENTS. But he
was still glad to have help to make the transition to civilian life.
IMPROVED
SERVICES WILL
BE ROLLED OUT
throughout 2017 to
support members
and their families
during the transition
from military to
civilian life.
RACHEL BOWMAN
INTHESPOTLIGHT